Will Boston feel more 'special' next year?

I'm assuming that this an individual question, and I guess for most the answer would be 'how could it not?' I was not planning on running Boston anytime soon having been fortunate to run it many times. Having said that, I thought next year may be one of those years that could be a bit more special given the events from the past tragedy. If I were to go, I think my goal would be to just run it for fun or pace someone who may be more goal oriented than I.

So I guess my question is, if you hadn't originally planned on running it next year, have you changed your mind believing that it could mean more to you to be there? And for those who haven't qualified yet, do the events from this past year make you want to qualify that much more? Many people who I come into contact with seem to think that getting in will be more difficult for this reason. I'm not sure about that though, but I was just wondering what you guys thought...

After 4 years of failure I had given up on qualifying for Boston, I had put too much time and effort and never got the pay-off. I had pretty much decided I was done with serious marathon training. The events at Boston re-ignited the fire to qualify and run Boston some day. I still may never qualify but I'm going to keep fighting.

So yeah, for me personally, the attacks against "my people" and "my sport" had a profound affect on my attitude towards Boston.

I ran this year, it was my 3rd time. I'm running Tokyo next February, and was going to skip Boston for cost reasons. Then after the bombs, sitting around that night with friends talking through the events of the day - I decided I needed to go back again next year. So I guess in answer to your question - yes - I changed my mind because of the events. Partly to show 'them' that they can't take the marathon away from the runners, supporters and people of Boston, and partly because a lot of friends who run it multiple times over the years and moved onto new challenges instead - are also going back. I'm sure it'll be special for many reasons.

I wasn't planning on going in 2014, but I changed my mind after the events, pretty much for the same reasons Stiggby and RD mentioned. I am 100% sure I will be there, sitting with a comfortable BQ-25min. Also I am planning to race it. The only time I did Boston was in 2012, and I did not try to race because of the heat. I skipped this year because I needed a few more weeks to get in shape after a December injury. Given that I am not sure when I will be back there, I intend to honor the spirit of the race and give it all I have. If I am injured again, I will walk it but will finish.

I understand that people feel differently, but I don't get the personalization: the violence was basically random. It wasn't an attack aimed at the institution of running, or marathoning, or any individual person: it was a convenient crowd. The runners on course weren't even the target, the spectators were.

In a world full of bombings (planes, drones, suicide and others) this was simply one more: tragic for the people directly affected. If I knew one of the killed or injured I might run it to remember them and that would make it special for me. If one of my friends in Israel, Palestine, Afganistan, Kashmir, Iraq, Syria, or one of a hundred other places was killed near a race I might run to remember them too.

I was leaning towards running it before, and decided I would a day after the bombings. My final decision maker was NOT the bombings themselves, but my mother's call to me the morning after to ask me not to run any more large races....

Michael, I agree. This was not a concerted attack at "us." No runners were seriously injured. High powered rifles could have taken a lot of runners out. This wasn't Munich. The remaining bomber, who was apparently just pressured by his brother, won't care if 20,000 show up or 200,000 do, and who cares what he thinks? In fact, they had originally decided to hit the big July 4th celebration, but any shopping mall would probably have worked just as well. There is nothing to prove.

Since Run2Hills mentioned it, I also can easily go with four races of in the -15 range but, after some reflection, probably won't. I've run it a few times and my last race there was perhaps my most favorite marathon, so I get the allure. But I'm trying to run the 50 states (#39 is in two weeks). Boston is the only race I've repeated.

Michael - Feelings are just that feelings. I guess since whenever my wife cheers me on at a race she is usually 100 yards or so from the finish line. Those people were my wife, they were my people. People who come out to root on their loved ones and strangers as we pursue our stupid little goals. It is the ultimate sign of unconditional love, to travel hours, even days, stay in some random hotel in some random town and then go stand outside in whatever elements happen to be that day hours on end for a chance to cheer for 3 seconds as we run by, normally too fatigued to barely notice.

And the no runners got hurt? It wasn't about killing, terrorism is about fear. The goal is to make us afraid to gather in public, to make fear rule our daily decisions, to change our policies, to take away our freedoms in the name of safety, safety that can never truly be granted. The world is a mean, cruel place, we are never safe but living in fear is worse than the alternative.

I wasn't there because I'm too slow, had I been there it might have been too personal. I'm mad for not being there, I'm glad I wasn't there. It was an attack on my people, I knew at least 15 people running plus their loved ones. Luckily no one I know go hurt, luckily no one from these forums got hurt but they were the target. How can that not be taken personal?

ETA - I think targeting the spectators is even worse than targeting the runners. I can see why people don't like runners, but the innocent spectator?

I think Boston '14 will be "more special" because of the crowd/spectators. I think they will be out in even greater numbers and w/ more energy (if that's possible!)-- as part of their healing process. I suspect -- and really hope -- that the runners will be even more appreciative b/c I think many are, like me, very attuned to the fact that it was spectators that were the victims here (I think one runner). Many of us running had family in that crowd* and you can't help but to think "what if."

Besides, I'm getting to set my marathon PR there!

*My DW and younger DS were out by the hospital, but my older DS was right across the street from bomb site #2 most of the day (fortunately I was finished by then) and I watched DW in the 5K the day before from right in front of the Forum.

After 4 years of failure I had given up on qualifying for Boston, I had put too much time and effort and never got the pay-off. I had pretty much decided I was done with serious marathon training. The events at Boston re-ignited the fire to qualify and run Boston some day. I still may never qualify but I'm going to keep fighting.

So yeah, for me personally, the attacks against "my people" and "my sport" had a profound affect on my attitude towards Boston.

After 4 years of failure I had given up on qualifying for Boston, I had put too much time and effort and never got the pay-off. I had pretty much decided I was done with serious marathon training. The events at Boston re-ignited the fire to qualify and run Boston some day. I still may never qualify but I'm going to keep fighting.

Not sure I can answer the actual question.I had planned to go after getting my first BQ at LA in March, but it was a squeaker BQ and no longer anticipate I will make the cut. I would imagine it will be very special and a lot will be returning for that reason.

+1 to Sir Diggby. Those people are our people. Good luck in your quest, I'm sure you will make it.

...if I don't get in. I trained well and had a great cycle in 2013, expecting to BQ at Flying Pig on May 5, which I did by 2:01. Now i'm nervous that all the extra folks who now want to run will bump me. But, whatever, there will be a Boston in 2015 and I should be aiming for sub 3 by then.

Had not originally intended to run in 2014. 2013 was my first Boston; finished well before the bombs and all family was safe. But I do struggle with a lot of the what ifs... Going back for a different experience and a different conclusion. The crowds were fantastic. I need a different ending and it will be an even more special race next year.

I had originally intended not to run Boston again after running it in 2012. I do want to run it again, but as soon as 2014, wasn't on my radar. I'm still not sure, my fiance, who will be my husband by then, has said he will come with me to an international marathon. I'm not sure if time and funds allow for both, but I'll see. I assume I still have time to sign up, and would really like to be there.

Had not originally intended to run in 2014. 2013 was my first Boston; finished well before the bombs and all family was safe. But I do struggle with a lot of the what ifs... Going back for a different experience and a different conclusion. The crowds were fantastic. I need a different ending and it will be an even more special race next year.

^^^ I could have written this. But I didn't. You did. And you are not me.

I don't much care about any individual bomber. Its more about the idea of pushing back against terrorism, to not be cowed. I too have changed my mind and plan to run it next year. I have an adequate BQ. The only regret I have is there might be enough of us to bump the BQ times down and shut out some squeakers, many of whom have worked hard to get there. It will be interesting to see what happens at registration time.

My wife and I ran Boston in 2010 and 2011. I sustained an injury during my attempt to BQ for 2012, and then missed 4 months of running because I finished the race instead of dropping out. But since my wife got in, I worked the race as a volunteer. Although I've run 6 marathons since recovering, I've haven't gotten my speed back up to BQ level. I didn't want to work that hard at it, just to get back into Boston, so I've been running scenic marathons at a comfortable pace. But the bombing felt personal, and I'm now considering a BQ attempt early this Fall, if I can stay injury-free, because I think it would be awesome to be there again for the 2014 running.

ETA - I think targeting the spectators is even worse than targeting the runners. I can see why people don't like runners, but the innocent spectator?

This is exactly what I thought - it's worse somehow to target the spectators who were out supporting their loved ones - and as a result of the bombings I also decided to return next year although I initially hadn't planned on it.

For me it's more about wanting to be able to celebrate running Boston and enjoy the aftermath of the race. I've run Boston twice, both times had a fantastic race and yet I've still never actually gotten to go out and have a good time the evening after the race. That needs to change in 2014!

Hey all. Haunting this forum after a long hiatus. Been running ultras mostly. I missed Boston this year - did not BQ at Boston in 2013 due to the heat. Just hit a -15 BQ at the Maine Coast Marathon a couple of weeks ago, so I may be in - we will see.

I don't see it as a statement - the terrorists don't care if we run Boston. But I do want to experience the crowds, which are always a draw for me, and should be pumped up more next year. Just need to stay away from the drunk frat boys on Heart Break hill. Their high fives can take off your arm.

I understand that people feel differently, but I don't get the personalization: the violence was basically random. It wasn't an attack aimed at the institution of running, or marathoning, or any individual person: it was a convenient crowd. The runners on course weren't even the target, the spectators were.

Agreed.

That said, it's still an attack on our way of life. For most here running is a big part of that life, so I could see why this is so personal to many.

As a new BQ'er, I do hope I get to run, but more so because I finally qualified, rather than an "I'll show them" thing.

Shuffle faster, I love it! I'm glad you're in it for the race and not for the self-aggrandizement of "I'll show them". I think a lot of people try to make this a personal thing so they can add drama to their athletic accomplishments. It's easy self-promotion. It's an easy sell. People are already selling merchandise that lets people inform others they're training to take back Boston from the terrorists.

Obviously, not everyone is out there with superficial motives as to why they want to run Boston. But you would have to be pretty naive not to see that in our Facebook "please god give me attention" society here in America that this is a hell of an opportunity for self-promoters to cash in on others misfortunes and proclaim themselves heroes in the process.

As a new BQ'er, I do hope I get to run, but more so because I finally qualified, rather than an "I'll show them" thing.

My thoughts exactly. I finally qualified in December with a 3:03:52. I've been plenty fast enough (1:22:30 half), but have always struggled in the marathon. After 3+ years of trying I finally get my time and it doesn't look like it will be good enough any more. The target just keeps moving.

Well, I think it's safe to say that the race will be filled and it will be filled with people that will be supporting Boston, our strength, and our freedom no matter how much they BQd by. As far as the race seeming more special? I don't think anyone will be crossing that finish line for years to come w/o remembering 2013 and I think the course support will continue, in the memory of those affected, to be very special indeed for a very long time too. I have BQd twice but my squeaky time wasn't good enough last time to get in. This time I qualified by more than 9 min. I qualified just after the 2013 race registration filled, or I would have tried to get in this year. When the bombings took place it made me angry for the victims and angry for our people's fears. Thinking how close I was to running and that my family and I would have returned to the finish line(if my race went as it should have) to cheer on the rest of the finishers, and we could have been the injured or killed, I took it personally and that made me angry too. It was important to us to volunteer and help with fund raisers for the victims after this happened, and I think in the long run, that is most important. But short story long, yes I really want to be there next year more than before the incident. A recent article in Runner's World called the under 5 people squeakers. I am hoping many get to do their squeaking in Boston next year!

Yes I do think Boston will feel more special in 2014. Any time we are reminded of how fragile life is and how quickly it can change, we appreciate it even more when we get to experience it fully again. I don't know much about terrorists or why they do what they do. But I saw the ripple that went through the running community and how everyone reached out to those around them to find out if they were ok. And for those who have done Boston before, 2014 will be the time to get right with what happened. And for those who get to do it the first time, it will be an incredible event to be part of.

It's not my year to go for a BQ and I can't say that what happened this year will make me push any harder...I've got other things that do that.

I think most people who will qualify will get to register, I don't think anyone had trouble this year even with all all the deferral's from 2011.

I wasn't going to run again in 2013 mostly because the whole ordeal to run Boston is kinda a pain. Getting up at 6 for a shuttle at 7AM to run a race at 10:20 isn't too much fun. Neither is sitting in a field of grass for 2 hours.

However, after watching such an attack happen on my home front, I'll be back again sitting in the stupid field wet, cold, and/or sweating hot and will run the course. Because I can and no crazy psychopath will take that away from me.

For me, I think the emotion during the lead up and start might be special but once the marathon started, that would go away and the task of running the marathon would take over. For me, I would not feel anything special or special "push" that would allow me to finish.

I had always quilfied for boston but never had the money to get there ,so my bro helped me get there this year,and I could not believe the crowd support unreallll,i heve ran all marathons on a local level,but boston was unreal,the best ,so I am going back for sure 20 min bq so I am in , and this time I will rough it like camping or something but I will be there.........

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